{"id":437,"date":"2013-08-28T17:33:55","date_gmt":"2013-08-28T17:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/?p=437"},"modified":"2025-04-10T10:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T10:00:31","slug":"backpacking-in-africa-yes-you-can","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/backpacking-in-africa-yes-you-can\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking in Africa? Yes you can!"},"content":{"rendered":"

First of all, let me clarify that by <\/span>Africa<\/span><\/i>, I mean the <\/span>sub-Saharan<\/b> continent. It’s quite different from traveling in North Africa, which follows a different set of “rules.”<\/span><\/p>\n

I often hear:\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d love to go to Africa someday, but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m afraid it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s unsafe, too expensive, and too difficult to get around. Can you really travel there as a backpacker?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><\/p>\n

My answer is: <\/span>YES, YOU CAN!<\/b> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fantastic.<\/span><\/p>\n

There seems to be a general sense of apprehension among travelers when it comes to exploring Africa. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a shame because <\/span>the dark continent<\/span><\/i> is absolutely accessible. True, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not the easiest region to travel in\u00e2\u20ac\u201despecially if you compare it to Southeast Asia\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s still very doable, even for an inexperienced traveler. Budget-wise, you can keep things affordable if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mind the occasional bucket shower and can handle a few rough edges.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
upgraded bucket shower with a view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before you start planning:<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Realize that Africa is huge.<\/b>
\n<\/b> Depending on how much time you have, pick one or two neighbouring countries to explore. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t try to squeeze in too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Choose the right country for you.<\/b>
\n<\/b>Intrepid travelers could try places like Sudan, Mozambique, Malawi, Djibouti, or any country that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s relatively politically stable.<\/span>
\n<\/span>For beginners, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d recommend starting with more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153accessible\u00e2\u20ac\u009d countries\u00e2\u20ac\u201dones that offer at least a basic level of tourist infrastructure. In these destinations you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll meet other travelers and expats to swap tips and ideas with.<\/span><\/p>\n

In West Africa, <\/span>Ghana, Senegal, or Gambia<\/b> are great starting points.<\/span>
\n<\/span>In East Africa, consider <\/span>Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, or Kenya<\/b>. In Southern Africa, look into <\/span>Zimbabwe, South Africa or Namibia.\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

These countries allow you to get around easily on public transport or by rental car, stay in hostels or homestays, and even find Western food options (which can be a godsend when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re craving a break from local staples).<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Accept that this is slow travel.<\/b>
\n<\/b>Though every country is different, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s safe to say that in many of the places buses, trains, and boats often run late. And by late, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean the <\/span>crazy<\/span><\/i> 20 minutes we complain about in the West\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI mean <\/span>5+ hours<\/b>. Vehicles may break down in the middle of nowhere or get stuck in potholes.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Delays are part of the experience. So if you’re planning a tight schedule\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"stuck<\/a>
stuck in the mud<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Expect a lot of time on the road.<\/b>
\n<\/b>The more ground you want to cover, the more time you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll spend in buses, boats, trains, or crowded minivans. And these rides won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t always be comfortable.<\/span>
\n<\/span>In your average African minibus, a five-seat sedan fits fourteen people. Easily. Sometimes it feels like you’re playing <\/span>human Tetris.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Backpacking<\/a>
4 people in the front, 10 in the back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t expect a checklist of attractions.<\/b>
\n<\/b>Africa isn’t the place where you just tick off tourist sites one after the other like you might be able to do in Europe or Asia. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a place to experience through <\/span>connection and presence<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Spend a few days in one town. Wander. Talk to people. Soak up the rhythm of daily life. Enjoy a cold beer at sunset. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the magic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Backpacking<\/a>
getting my hands dirty in the local kitchen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. The food won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t always wow you.<\/b>
\n<\/b> In cities and larger towns, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find international dining options and African haute-cuisine.\u00c2\u00a0 But in smaller places, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll mostly eat local staples.<\/span>
\n<\/span>If you want truly delicious African food, get yourself invited to a <\/span>wedding, birthday party, christening, or local celebration<\/b>. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s when all the mamas bring out their best cooking.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Backpacking<\/a>
not so amazing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Backpacking<\/a>
no need to rough it to this degree either,unless you want to<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"the<\/a>
the best sushi I’ve ever had was in Tanzania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7<\/span>. Accommodation can be a mixed bag.<\/b>
\n<\/b>Outside of major cities, there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not always a solid mid-range option. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s often either <\/span>basic and gritty<\/b> or <\/span>high-end luxury<\/b>. Go for the budget places when needed, and treat yourself to an upscale stay every once in a while if your budget allows it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Backpacking<\/a>
upscale hotel with view on the national park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Safaris are always expensive.<\/b>
\n<\/b> Whether you’re backpacking or not, guided game drives (safaris) come with a price tag. If that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s on your bucket list, set aside a separate budget for it.<\/span>
\n<\/span>For context: at the time of writing, a 2-day\/1-night camping safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania costs about <\/span>$300 per person<\/b>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dand that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a decent deal with a local agent.<\/span>
\n<\/span>You can find cheaper options if you avoid the most famous parks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"safari,<\/a>
safari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. Consider finding a travel partner.<\/b>
\n<\/b>Solo travel is possible in Africa, but relatively rare. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll likely have a better experience with a travel buddy. Especially for women, traveling in pairs is more comfortable, safer, and much cheaper. Plus, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s always nice to have someone to talk to while you wait around for your transportation to show up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
having fun while waiting for a boat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Traveling in Africa is incredibly rewarding. It lifts your spirits, opens your eyes, and gives you a perspective you won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t find in books or media. The landscapes are untouched. The people are welcoming. The rhythm, the colors, the music, the laughter\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all so contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re still unsure about backpacking in Africa, all I can say is: <\/span>DO IT.<\/b>
\n<\/b>The adventure awaits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Backpacking<\/a>
backpackers race<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you ever backpacked in Africa? Would you give it a try?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The post “Backpacking in Africa? Yes you can!<\/a>‘ first appeared on Travel Cake<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

First of all, let me clarify that by Africa, I mean the sub-Saharan continent. It’s quite different from traveling in North Africa, which follows a different set of “rules.” I often hear:\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d love to go to Africa someday, but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m afraid it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s unsafe, too expensive, and too difficult to get around. Can you really […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":449,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[24],"tags":[110,38,37],"country":[],"class_list":["post-437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-africa","tag-africa","tag-backpacking","tag-tips","post_format-post-format-image"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/phrKJj-73","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.travelcake.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/backpacking.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&quality=89&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=437"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4325,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437\/revisions\/4325"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=437"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}